Janel O'Dell was nominated anonymously.
To create a positive classroom environment, Ms. O'Dell focuses on building strong relationships with students, establishing clear routines, and fostering a sense of belonging and creativity. She uses music-based cues, movement activities, and collaborative games to keep students engaged while promoting teamwork and respect. She incorporates diverse musical styles to celebrate different cultures and encourage inclusion. Her classroom is designed to be welcoming, with organized instruments, student-created displays, and visuals that support expectations and emotional learning. Students are encouraged to express themselves through singing, playing, and composing, which builds confidence and a love for learning. By celebrating effort and progress, she aims to create a safe, joyful space where every child feels valued and inspired.
Mrs. O'Dell is a phenomenal teacher who inspires her students to strive for their best!
Mrs. Odell truly is an inspiring teacher. With her passion and creativity in teaching music, she makes it so much fun for even her shyest students. She works really hard to help her students blossom with confidence in their own unique style behind the scenes and on stage performances. Mrs. Odell is making a positive impact in many students lives. I love knowing she is one of the good ones.
Mrs. O’Dell is always full of smiles and has a passion for educating children, bringing joy and inspiration to every classroom she enters. She creates a welcoming environment where students feel motivated to learn, confident to explore new ideas, and proud of their accomplishments.
Janel Odell is my kids’ music teacher. She is fantastic at her job and does such a great job planning wonderful programs for the students to be part of every year. And she’s such a sweet person!!!
Janel is a dedicated music educator who has spent a LIFETIME impacting students! I’m so proud to know her and get to collaborate with her!
Mrs. Odell is such an amazing teacher. She is very talented and creative. She loves her students and enjoys teaching them so many amazing ideas that will prepare them for success! The students love her too!
One of the BEST you will find!! She loves her students and they love her just as much!! We had the pleasure of having her for a couple of years and WE LOVE HER!! She strives for the very best for her students ?? She truly deserves all recognition that’s thrown her way!!She is very dedicated to her students and we love her!! ??
Janel is one of the most loving and caring people ever. She brings an extra element to her classroom that allows all of the students in our school feel comfortable, safe, special, and most of all loved. The students all love her and look forward to music day!
Mrs. O’dell is a fantastic teacher. She has been in a few different roles in the school since joining us at McBean, and she has embraced every position and worked hard to overcome any challenges she has faced. Now the students are blessed to have her as their music teacher. She is also a wonderful coworker and an even more special friend.
We absolutely love Mrs O'Dell! She made a positive impact on my grandsons and she will always be their "favorite"!
O’Dell loves her students and music which shows in the performances she produces. She knows how to bring out the talent in her students. She is a caring, compassionate, and loving teacher.
I work with Mrs. Odell every day. I’m we have worked together for over 5 years. I have seen first hand her love for music and its ability to help students express themselves. She takes great pride in the PTO performances working tirelessly with Pre-k students through 5th grade. Her performances speak for themselves as she always adds special touches to make sure her students shine. She has changed lives by reaching out to parents to share the strengths she sees in students musically. Her classroom is warm, inviting and one where students love to go. Mrs. Odell changes lives at McBean!!
My mom is truly a remarkable teacher and an even more amazing person. With 25 years of teaching experience, she has touched countless lives through her passion and dedication. She’s not only a loving and supportive mom, she is also a committed educator who gives her all to her students every single day. Her excellence has been recognized time and again—she’s been named Teacher of the Year at McBean Elementary, Music Teacher of the Year for Richmond County, and honored with the prestigious Golden Apple Award. Balancing motherhood and teaching isn’t easy, but she does it with grace, love, and unwavering commitment. She is a true LifeChanger!
Mrs. Odell loves music and children so she combines that love as the dedicated music teacher at McBean Elementary school.
Mrs. Odell was my teacher in primary school, I’ve already graduated but it’s safe to say she’s remained my favorite teacher. She always knew how to make the curriculum stick out for better understanding, spent one on one time to help me comprehend the subject and made me feel welcomed within the classroom. She truly made our time with her special and I’ve always looked back onto it even to this day. From her Snoopy decor to her attitude. She is hands down the most kind woman you will come across and has a heart bigger than the moon.
